14 March 2026
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Home » News » Work begins on land for Lower Thames Crossing
Early work to prepare parts of Essex and Kent for the construction of the Lower Thames Crossing has begun.
Before the major construction and tunnelling begins in 2028, work will be carried out to protect the area’s utility supplies, heritage, and wildlife.
Works in Essex are taking place around Coalhouse Fort, where 50 archaeologists are excavating to uncover and preserve the heritage of the area.
Ground investigations are also taking place to help with the detailed design of the foundations and structure of the route.
The Lower Thames Crossing is one of the most significant infrastructure projects planned in the UK.
It represents an £9 billion investment and is set to transform north–south connectivity, opening up faster, more reliable routes for freight, workers and businesses across the region.
Once complete, the 14.5 mile road will link Essex and Kent, with 2.6 miles running via two tunnels underneath the River Thames.
The road will will almost double capacity over the river east of London to reduce congestion and the pressure on the existing Dartford Crossing.
The National Highways project received planning permission last year and is expected to open in the early to mid-2030s.
Find out more about the Lower Thames Crossing project
